🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jeep

Model:

Comanche

Year:

1988

Generation Designation:

First Generation (XJ-based)

Chassis Code:

XJ

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Pickup Truck

Jeep Role:

Jeep's first entry into the compact pickup truck market, leveraging the popular XJ Cherokee platform for a robust and capable offering.

Key Competitors:

Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-10, Nissan Hardbody, Toyota Pickup

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform and many components with the Jeep Cherokee (XJ), contributing to its renowned off-road capability and durability.

Unique Selling Points:

Unibody construction for a lighter and more compliant ride compared to body-on-frame competitors, available 4WD system (Command-Trac) with low-range gearing, robust Mopar aftermarket support.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Secondary Coverage:

Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Specifications, Component Identification

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, searchable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, differentials, CV joints

Chassis:

Frame and body, suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, parking)

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system, ignition system, instrumentation, body electrical (wipers, horn, etc.), power accessories (windows, locks), trailer wiring

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components and service

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication points

Repair:

Component removal, installation, adjustment, and repair for all major systems

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problem identification and solutions

Diagnostics:

Electrical diagnostic procedures, fuel system pressure testing, ignition timing checks

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and alignment procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for efficient information retrieval.

Digital Quality:

High-resolution scans or original digital files, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Physical Binding Style:

N/A (Digital Product)

Physical Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Description:

4.0L (242 cu in) Inline-6 'High Output' (OHV)

Engine Code And Description Optional:

2.5L (150 cu in) Inline-4 'Tech' (OHV)

Horsepower 4.0L:

173 hp @ 4700 rpm

Torque 4.0L:

220 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm

Horsepower 2.5L:

125 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque 2.5L:

150 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

Fuel Delivery System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Bore Stroke 4.0L:

3.88 in x 3.41 in (98.5 mm x 86.7 mm)

Bore Stroke 2.5L:

3.88 in x 3.18 in (98.5 mm x 80.8 mm)

Compression Ratio 4.0L:

8.8:1

Compression Ratio 2.5L:

8.8:1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Aisin AX-5 for 2.5L, AX-15 for 4.0L)

Transmission Type Optional:

3-Speed Automatic Transmission (TorqueFlite A904 for 2.5L), 4-Speed Automatic Transmission (TorqueFlite A727 for 4.0L)

Transfer Case:

Command-Trac NV231 (part-time, chain-driven, 2.72:1 low-range ratio)

Rear Axle Options:

Dana 35C (standard), Dana 44 (optional)

Front Axle Options:

Dana 30 (standard on 4WD)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Shortbed:

113.0 inches (2870 mm)

Wheelbase Longbed:

125.0 inches (3175 mm)

Length Shortbed:

179.2 inches (4552 mm)

Length Longbed:

191.2 inches (4856 mm)

Width:

72.2 inches (1834 mm)

Height:

66.3 inches (1684 mm)

Bed Length Shortbed:

6 feet

Bed Length Longbed:

7 feet

Curb Weight Est:

3,200 - 3,800 lbs (1450 - 1725 kg) depending on configuration

Payload Capacity Est:

Up to 1,700 lbs (771 kg)

Towing Capacity Est:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2268 kg) with proper equipment

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1988:

Limited data available for this era; generally considered to have basic safety features.

Braking System:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes (Optional Rear Disc on some models)

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels

Seat Belts:

Lap and shoulder belts (front), lap belts (rear)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM radio, optional cassette player. Basic speaker setup.

Cruise Control:

Optional

Antilock Brakes:

Optional rear-wheel ABS

Connectivity Features:

Basic; no advanced connectivity or Bluetooth options.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (whichever comes first), or 5,000 miles if using synthetic oil and high-quality filter, per manual recommendations.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 miles for automatic, Every 50,000 miles for manual (check manual for specifics).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil 4.0L:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for temperature specific viscosity)

Engine Oil 2.5L:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 (check manual for temperature specific viscosity)

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Chrysler ATF+3 (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90

Transfer Case Fluid:

ATF Dexron-III (or equivalent)

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water

Common Wear Items:

Leaf spring bushings, ball joints, track bar bushings, exhaust manifold cracks (4.0L), heater core leaks.

Electrical Quirks:

Issues with the central timer module (CTM), intermittent dashboard light failures, and issues with the alternator/voltage regulator are common.

Powertrain Durability:

The 4.0L engine is generally robust, but overheating can cause head gasket issues. The AX-15 manual transmission is also highly regarded for durability.

📚 Vehicle History

Jeep Legacy:

Jeep has a long history of producing rugged, go-anywhere vehicles, originating from its World War II Willys MB.

Comanche Introduction:

Introduced in 1985 as a 1986 model year vehicle, designed to compete in the burgeoning compact pickup market.

1988 Updates:

The 1988 model year saw minor refinements, likely including updates to interior trim, feature availability, and potential minor powertrain adjustments. The 4.0L Inline-6 became increasingly popular.

Production Years:

1986-1992

Manufacturing Plant:

Toledo, Ohio, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability:

Consistently praised for its off-road prowess and capability, often outperforming competitors in its class.

Longevity And Durability:

The Comanche, especially those equipped with the 4.0L engine, is known for its longevity and ability to withstand rugged use.